Trip to Las Vegas?

No way. Vegas is not a place for kids or infants. I have a 5 year old and a 9 month old. I wouldn't take them anywhere far from home especially of all places, Vegas. It's not kid friendly. Also, this time of year, Vegas is smoldering HOT and the strip is always crowded.

If she was my MIL, I'd tell her to grow a brain:)

M.

Well, I'm not married, but would you consider letting the husband go to Vegas by himself? I know that would leave you alone with the baby, but at least he could see his family - minus the baby. I agree that taking a newborn to Vegas is, well, just plain silly.

I agree with you and with most everyone on here. Vegas with all the smoke and germs is not a place for a 7-week old baby. If hubby and his mother want to go, that's fine, but they shouldn't insist that you take the baby. You are just going to be holed up in the room anyway and its not fair to you or the baby. They should have the baby's best interest at heart and being in Vegas is not the baby's best interest.

Your MIL scares me. Her comment shows absolutely no respect for you whatsoever. If they have come to SoCal to visit family and, I presume, to spend time with the new baby and if seeing her grandson is so important to her, why does she want to go to Vegas? Seems like you would be going just as a support for them going off and having a good time. Doesn't sound like any fun for you.

That is absolutely horrible (in my opinion) that they not only are suggesting a 7 WEEK OLD!!! go to Las Vegas but are also making you feel bad for not putting their feelings first...
Good for you for being the mom that you are and making your baby priority. NO!!!, I would not take a 7 week old to Las Vegas.
This is yours and your baby's time. They should be catering to your needs. They need to come to you for visits and make sure you and your baby are safe and comfortable.

I've had my battles with my MIL and, believe me, she learned real quick I'm in charge of this family and our LO is priority....and my husband supports this 100%

Hello, I totally agree with you. I am a grandma and I would never say such a thing to my grandkids' parents. What is wrong with her Vegas would be pretty boring for you. I think it is pretty thoughtless and selfish for the mother-in-law to expect you to take the baby and have to sit in the room while they go out and have a good time. I am assuming that they aren't planning on sitting in the room as well :-). You are a good mommy and if she chooses to go to Vegas, then that's her right, but you aren't keeping her from her grandchild.
Good luck with your precious little baby.
K. K.

I agree with Leslie! I live here in Vegas too. All of the Marriott hotels are completely smoke-free and there are lots of kid friendly places to go. There are beautiful parks, lots of smoke-free shopping centers (some of the most amazing shopping here!), There are wonderful restaurants and they are all smoke-free by law. There is Mt Charleston and Redrock for hiking or outdoor activities.

I went to Palm Springs when my daughter was 4 weeks old (for a vacation) and we have been on the go ever since. She is now 5 and I have a 2 yr old as well. Exposing your child to the world builds up a better immune system and also teaches your children how to behave in public. Might as well start young. (apparently these opinions are not the norm, but it works well for my family) I take my kiddos everywhere and we are huge travelers. We seriously go somewhere every 3-6 months. The more you travel and get out, the easier it becomes.

I would not do it! Vegas is not a place for babies, and he is so young to be traveling. I'm not sure if you would be driving or flying, but either way it would be h*** o* a little one his age. Can your MIL come to your home to see her new grandson? It is ridiculous that she wants you to do this with your 7wk old son! NO, you are NOT being overprotective at all!!!

Do NOT take you baby to Vegas.

First, that's great that they want to visit you...I would think it would be to see the you and the new baby, not visit the sites.

Nice that your brother in law's birthday is also the same time frame, but you have a baby now...life changed and those types of trips just don't fit in right now.

2nd hand smoke does such damage and there is just NO way to avoid it in Vegas. No matter what you come home with your suitcase smelling like an ash tray. I have a nearly five year old and 1 1/2 year old and that's not a place I'm taking them. Besides what are you going to do there that is going to be ANY fun for you or your baby while they are all off enjoying what Vegas is famous for? It's about to get stupid hot out there, there's smoke...it's not so baby friendly...If your MIL really wants to see the baby, tell her to see the baby at your house...your baby, not her sight-seeing is the priority and she should realize that!

Good luck!
-M

The Westin is right off the strip and is a NON SMOKING hotel. So if you have to go to Vegas try getting a room there. The casinos do smell of smoke and all kinds of perfumes scents they spray to mask the smoke. I'd try somewhere like the Westin or Trump Towers since it is not a casino either. You can get good rates at the higher end places this time of year! Also keep in mind the none of the nicer restaurants on the strip allow children under 5 yrs of age. So the only places on the strip you will be able to eat is the buffets. Vegas is not so Baby friendly, I know we visited Vegas frequently before relocating here. What I did when we traveled was spray/wipe down the phones, and remotes with lysol and clorox wipes or spray and clean out the sinks and counter tops with disinfectant myself since that is where you will have to wash and dry your bottles. And be sure to bring your own playpen for baby to sleep in , the ones at the hotels are never clean!!! Good luck traveling with little ones is hard. But if your not comfortable with going do what is best for you and your baby and say NO, its not your MIL's child and not her decision to make. Tell your hubby with the amount of ppl in and out of those hotel rooms who knows what germs are swirling around. I mean your baby has had little vaccines and no immunity to anything yet. PPL from all over the world come to Vegas and stay in the rooms, and ppl most frequently get sick during travel due to being around so many other ppl and lack of rest. So if your not ok with this trip stay behind, no one should guilt you or force you to do something. Your that babies mom not your MIL, so you decide what is best! Not to mention your still on the mend from having a baby, you may not be ready for a trip. Take care!

You didn't say if you've been to Vegas, but I'm assuming you haven't. Well, my husband and I have been there numerous times and I would no more take my baby/kids than I would "fly to the moon". It is totally not a place for kids of any age, there's really nothing for them to do. Also almost every hotel you stay at you have to go through the casino to get out. And you're right, you would end up spending the whole time in your room by yourself. Now that you've got a child it's time to stand up and just say, "I'm not comfortable taking my child here, why don't we go somewhere more appropriate for kids."

I absolutely100% agree with you. Your husband and MIL are being selfish, but probably only because they are not educated in the same way as you are about your baby's developing immune system, or with how hard it is to travel with a young infant. I would put my foot down, and allow your hubby and family to enjoy Vegas without you and the baby this time. Tell them that in 5 years, you would be happy to join them. You are the momma. What you feel in your heart is your instinct to protect your child. Follow that instinct at all times, this time is only the first of many times you will have to be your child's only advocate. Oh, and big deal about brother's big 4-0! It is just another day. What is he, a child? It isn't like it is his 4th birthday, which is a MUCH bigger deal! I'm sorry that you are in this position, as I remember the first 8 weeks as being the scariest, and hardest adjustment period of my life. Your hubby is probably going through a little adjustment, too. He is still in the frame of mind that you were in before the birth, still thinking that things won't 'change that much', that he can still go do whatever things he wants, whenever he wants. It takes a while for men to figure out what is really important. This is your opportunity to show him. Show him the posts, show him the articles about second hand smoke, ask him if he would like to sit in the hotel room for 12 hour shifts with the baby while you go out on the strip alone? Ask him to try to comfort the baby on the plane while his ears are popping, and he is screaming, and the people around you are looking at you like they want you to smother your child just to shut them up. Or, if you are driving, offer to drive the whole way,but hubby and MIL are in charge of the baby's happiness on the 4 hour haul......However you do it, he needs to understand that he is being petty and childish, as are his family. Good luck to you. I wish you strength.

This just sounds crazy to me. I would get your pediatrician on your side. Have your husband be there when your doctor explains about the pros and CONS of traveling like this with a newborn. Why not compromise on a place between you and your MIL.
I wouldn't do it.

I wouldn't be as concerned about 2nd hand smoke as I would be about the diseases he can contact at this young of an age. Every casino I've been in, in Vegas hasn't been that bad, unless your going to sit their and play the slots. Otherwise walking through isn't too bad and there is generally (at the hotels I've stayed at) no smoking in/around check in. Something else to think about is the time of year. If it is during summer, heck no I would not take a baby! It's 100++ degrees there ALL summer long!
I would be torn though b/c he doesn't see his family much. What about your husband goes to Vegas with the family while you stay home? Can someone watch the baby for a night or two and you can join them?

Good luck!

You're new mom, you're exhausted, still getting used to having a baby. I wouldn't want to go to Vegas either. It's hard enough to get your stuff together to get out of the house with a baby for just a one day family event at that point. Let alone overnights... And not much fun to be in a hotel with an infant. When my first was born we had to stay in a hotel in San Clemente for my brother-in-laws wedding, and the baby was 2 1/2 months old. Kinda a pain and not that enjoyable for mom. And that was San Clemente, which is beautiful, clear skies, loveley breezy weather... just having to take care of an infant in a hotel room (not having all your amenities like a glider chair to nurse in, a bathtub for baby, kitchen to sterilize bottles and pacifiers etc... ) NO THANKS. Don't do a hotel with a baby that young if you don't have to. For your own sanity. the baby would survive, but it wouldn't be fun for you. And that's not fair- you need rest, relaxation, and support at this point in your life. Not more stress and additional tiring experiences.

I'm with all the other posters who wouldn't be taking my 7-week-old on ANY big trip, let alone to Vegas. Especially with an infant's nap schedule, and the fact that this will be a large-ish family get together, it would probably be hard for your little guy to nap outside your room even if you babywear and he normally naps that way (since relatives are going to want to touch/hold/talk to him), which means you'd be cooped up in the hotel room alone for most of the time. You're also looking at either a 4+ hour drive, or a short flight, neither of which sound great for an infant. It sounds to me like your MIL is putting her desires (seeing her grandson) ahead of your son's well-being.

I think having kids in Vegas on the strip is ridiculous. What about cigarette smoke, drunk adults, and prostitutes says "Bring your kids"? Hey, I love Vegas myself--its an ADULT playground, but it is not for children. All this "family-friendly" stuff they are putting up now is dumb. The last time I was in Vegas there were people with their toddlers out and about on the strip and in the casinos at like 2am! I thought that was absurd and I would never consider bringing my child there....she can go when she is 21! If you will have a car, there is a town about 20 minutes outside of Vegas (and the strip) called Sunset Station---they have a nice big resort too. Maybe you can get a room there and when DH and MIL want to go to the strip you can hang back and relax at the pool with the baby. Either that or let hubby and MIL go and you stay home entirely. Honestly what fun is it going to be for you anyway with a small infant? What are they gonna do with the baby? This just sounds dumb. Sit this trip out, let hubby and mil go and have fun, tell them to bring you back a nice souvenir =)

I pesonally think that's too young to travel that far. I would just stay at home.

If the kids never go through the casino, they wont be exposed to the smoke. When we stayed at Sam's town, the only place we encountered smokers was in the casino itself. We've never taken our kiddo, though. But if you are going just to visit the inlaws, you can stay in the hotel only with the baby and it wouldnt be bad.

If they dont actually live in Vegas and are just wanting to meet you there and they're staying in the hotel too, that might be weird.

I drove 4 hours with our kiddo to visit my family when she was very young, it wasnt a terrible trip except for the fact that she hated riding the car and screamed unless she was sleeping.

I live in Vegas, so I hope to give you a different view on things. May I suggest that you not stay on the strip. There is SO MUCH more to Vegas than the strip. We never go downtown. There are some great hotels in Summerlin. This is the area that is west of the strip and stretches N and S along the mountains. It is a 15min drive from the strip, but it is another world. There is a hotel called the Element hotel. Every room has a mini kitchen, which is something I love to have when I am traveling with the kids. Plus, there is no casino. This hotel is directly off the 215 @ Town Center. There are fabulous parks, cafes, restaurants and great shopping all near by. Also, red rock is super close (10min) so you can go hiking or take a scenic drive. I hope this helps. It would be nice for you to be able to visit with your husbands family. If you are comfortable with leaving your son with a sitter there is a service called Nannies & Housekeepers especially for tourists. I would also be happy to give you our sitter's #. We have 3 kids, ages 5, 3 & 1.

Good luck!
OK, I have to add that I just noticed that your son is only 7 weeks. I had it in my head that he is 7 months. SO...that changes things big time. We visited my husband's family in California when my 2nd was only 11 weeks old. We were living up in Canada back then. It was indeed exhausting & emotional. Although I have to admit that flying with a small baby is way easier than an older baby or toddler. But you definitely have the right to say no. 7 weeks is really little and I doubt your pediatrician would recommend the flight.

I can see no redeeming value for taking a 7 week old to Las Vegas. Is that where your in-laws live or are they vacationing there and want you to tag along with them? If they are going on vacation there, then I would suggest they choose a more child-friendly destination and then maybe you could consider it. Or, maybe they could come and visit you in your home? I guess I don't understand how Las Vegas came up in conversation. I don't think I would be comfortable taking my 7 week old anywhere on a plane, let alone to Vegas. I would just tell them that you aren't comfortable with it and ask if they could make other arrangements to see their grandbaby. Good luck!

Then let your husband and MIL go by themselves.

Babies used to do well when smoking wasn't such a no[ no.

People do live in Vegas so you can do many things.

We once stayed at a lovely Court Yard near the convention center.
There was no casino and lots of no smoking rooms.

I am sure they have parks near by.

Ask your husband what is the point of travelling somewhere just to sit in a hotel room most of the time? What kind of vacation is that? Is that where your MIL lives? Vegas is probably the least child-friendly place to take a child, nevermind a newborn baby. I don't think you're being overprotective, I think they are both being impractical and inconsiderate of your baby.

Just went through this w/ my hubby for his 40th! I am pregnant and have a 5 & yr old. Vegas was the last place I wanted to be...but w/ the pressure I buckled. Being pregnant I HATED the smoke! Your 7 week old can't talk, and my kids can. My sons kept complaining about how bad it smelled & would cover his face. He didn't understand why all the casino let people smoke! My 2 yrs left a little chesty...w/cough. So the smoke is definitely not for little ones! And a 7 week old lungs are smaller than a straw! If you do go I would find the newest hotel. They would have the best ventilation system. The older hotels smell worse because it's already trapped in the wall, carpet, and everything else. You may want to ask your pediatrician what he thinks too. Dr's usually know best:)

Quickly, here. We are a military family and have MOVED across OCEANS by necessity when both of children were younger than yours (5 days old and one month, respectively.) Although they lived through it, I would NEVER have chosen to take my little ones anywhere unless FORCED. And I sure as H*** would never *vacation* with a kiddo that young (seriously, vacationing scares me now and they're 2 and 3 - good thing we live in HI so we can *daycation!*) Anyway, I think your husband has no clue what kind of an effort and drain that would be (and he probably never would because HE would go off playing and leave you with all the work in the hotel room!) so in his cluelessness, I'm going to say he's just uninformed and is making this suggestion b/c he just doesn't know. Your MIL though, hmmm.... did she run off with HER newborns and have to tote carseats, pack n plays, formula, strollers, diapers, etc. for someone else's *fun* weekend while she got stuck in a hotel room with an unhappy (and possibly/probably sick) baby? Personally, I think she needs to have her head examined for even suggesting that you go. If she's so concerned about time with her grandson, maybe you can suggest SHE stay home with the baby and YOU go to Vegas! (Not that that's really feasible, but it's about as practical as what SHE'S suggesting!) Seriously, your MIL's choices are her own and she is choosing Vegas over her grandson. That is not YOUR guilt to pick up. Personally, I think your hubby and MIL should go party w/ their family and take along your good wishes, but leave you & baby at home. Sorry to dis your hubby & MIL, but having done what they're suggesting, I think they are being inconsiderate, insensitive, and immature in the extreme for trying to force you into this - regardless of extenuating family circumstances.

that is very unreasonable for them to think it is okay to bring a newborn to las vegas. just to celebrate someones birthday is not a good reason to expose your child to all that horrid smoke and smut.
if your mother in law wants to be with her grandson then it only makes sense to be with him at home.

good luck!♥

I skimmed through the answers and I agree--no way do I think you should be taking a baby that young to Las Vegas. My daughter is almost 4, and I'm having my second any day now but I have never taken her there. It's not a place for kids, although I do see a lot of families with kids there. The only time my time we went was for on enight my husband and I alone last year. if it's that big of a deal to your husband you can stay in a hotel maybe few miles away from the strip and all the smoke and hoopla. You JUST had a baby yourself--I'm sure you're exhausted and not wanting to be put under so much pressure so I'm sorry you have to go through all this. SOme people are just so immature and incencitive.

J.,

I would say "trust your instinct" if you do not feel like taking the baby - they just don't!
You can celebrate with your hubby and in-laws later or in town.
Allow him to go if he really wants to, but know that Vegas is a place to party and going there with a 7 week old - even if you stay at the hotel room is not going to be super fun!
Hope this helps!

I sure understand wanting to protect your little one from environmental dangers. Personally, I would not have taken my 7 week old on any trip away from home. That's too early, in my opinion. However, having said that, except for casinos, Vegas itself is really no different from any other larger city when it comes to smoking and other pollutants. There are some very nice hotels that are "off strip" if you want to avoid the smoky casinos.
You are right in that there is not a lot to do here that is kid-friendly. And even less to do that is baby-friendly. Vegas is a very adult town. Most of the hotels have nice pools and we have a lot of great parks here. That's about it for the little ones (the under 2 crowd).
If you plan on coming soon, beware that we will soon be entering into our hot season with daily temps over 100. Use lots of sunblock on the babe.

I was lucky to go the bank when my first was 7 weeks old, but Vegas? What in the world for? Send the two of them together, and if she wants to see her grandson, then she needs to do it where babies are happiest-at home. I hope you win this one!

M.

I have to agree with the other posters...don't do it. There are other places to take the baby that would be perfectly fine, but Vegas? I don't think so. A vacation where you could do lots of outdoor things, walking, exploring, etc. and just push the baby in the stroller would be great, but you're right...you don't need to be around all that noise and smoke!

Do your in laws live in Vegas? If not, I don't get it. Like I said, maybe a compromise where you can all go but not be so smokey, etc.

Regardless of what has been said, I think the important answer has already been given and you gave it. You don't want to take your newborn child there, you don't take him. You are the mama, you decide, you have precedent over everybody else. Follow your instincts, they are not steering you wrong. Be strong and tell gma that she can spend time with the baby when she gets back and if hubby wants to go, let him...but stay home and sleep as much as you can with your beautiful bundle of joy.

First of all, congratulations on your new baby. You must be going through so much post baby 'stuff' right now.
I agree with all the thoughts on this post and am just giving you more support. You are being so calm about this. If I were you, I'd be flying off the handle! It sounds like your DH and MIL are being quite selfish...and furthermore, the guilt trip they're placing on you is ridiculous! You and your body aren't even back to 'normal,' your sweet little one is not even 2 months old, and they want to take him to Vegas? Even if you do decide to take him to Vegas, are THEY planning to stay with him the entire time? Gimme a break- they're NOT going to be worried about you or the little one while they're out seeing the sites or gambling!
Like the othe people said, if they want to spend quality time and visit with the family, Vegas is NOT the place to go. If your in-laws have the itch to gamble, why can't they take a day trip to Pala or Pechanga or even State Line without the baby.
Have your husband call your pediatrician and ask him/her if he would take his/her own 7 week old to Vegas. I highly doubt they would side with your husband or MIL on this one.
Sorry I'm so charged up about your situation,- it just angered me on your behalf and on baby's health. Lots of luck!!!!

I can understand why your husband wants to go to Vegas since he doesn't get to see his relatives often and everyone is getting together to celebrate his brother. Is it possible that he can go and you stay home with your baby? Since everyone will probably be spending most of their time in a casino, it doesn't make sense to have a baby there. We took our 3-month old to Vegas over Thanksgiving (in-laws live there) and stayed at the M Resort. I didn't even notice cigarette smoke because their ventilation is so good. So if you must go, the M is a good hotel option.

Hey, why dont' you meet in Southern California instead of Vegas? The weather is great and smoke won't be an issue. You are the mom and you shouldn't do anything with your new baby that you aren't comfortable with. You are your child's first and main advocate for his safety for life. This will just be the first of many battles you will face. Also, why doesn't your mil come visit YOU? You're the one who just had a baby. If she's well enough to travel to Vegas, she could certainly make the trip to see her new grandbaby. Don't let them guilt trip you into this.

Vegas is not for babies.

Man, all these MIL's lately - tell her to lay off, you're not going! I can't stand all these guilt trips that MIL's place on all the moms. I know how I'm NOT going to act when my kids get married! Anyway, stand your ground. That's it. Tell them to have a good time.

Don't do it!!! I agree with everyone who said no. My friend took her 2 month old to Vegas a couple months ago, because of a family event (wedding) and they were there for a few days. Her baby boy came home very ill (very healthy before trip) , and was hospitalized in the ICU for 2 WEEKS!!!! He almost died. Please do not take your little one to Las Vegas, that place is filthy, and no place for a baby.

Dear J., No i would not take my 7 week old to Las Vegas. What fun are you going to have with a baby in tow. and its not like tthe baby is going to get anything out of it. And yes i would be very worried about the second hand smoke. Not to mention all the loud noises. No not a good idea, tell your mil she can see the baby when they get back. And don't let her tell you that you are keeping the baby from her. My god the baby is only 7 weeks old. J. H.

My favorite place but I would never take a child under 1 to Vegas the baby and main care giver would be very put out. Why doesn't your husband and his mother go with all his family and tell them wish you could go but will have to wait till the baby is older to go or leave with someone if you are up for that.

It's hard sometimes, but you have to follow that gut instinct that as a momma you have when protecting yourself and your baby. And yes, it take other family members time to understand that it's the role you are going to play. Vegas isn't that far from southern califrnia, tell them to go have fun and take the time to drive out to see you and the baby. You are probably exhausted, not getting much sleep, breastfeeding alot, etc. It is not easy totake care of a newborn in a possibly noisy hotel. And your peace of mind and health are important especially when baby is so young. I you are stressed, it affects the baby. Mother in laws can be very selfish when it comes to the wellbeing of their daughter in law and grandchildren, they want to be around the grandkids at even the grandkids expense. You should tell your husband he is making it seem like the welfare of you and the baby is less than his mother and his wishes for fun. You only travel with a baby that young if it is a neccesity.

Honestly, I would not take my newborn to Las Vegas unless we were staying at a friends house. However, since your husband does not see his family often I can see how he may feel he wants everyone together.

The only thing is it will not be a fun trip for you your husband and his family will have a great time but you not so much you are on the schedule of the baby anbd will be the one lugging around all the babies supplies changing diapers looking for restrooms with changing areas, changing outfits, carrying bottles of water and a baby bag taking down the stroller, loading the stroller, you get my drift then you need to make yourself presentable all for his family to enjoy maybe an hour of time with the baby because more than likely the baby will want only you as it is exposed to a new environment and a lot of sound and color no matter what you do.

It's a bit selfish to guilt you into going but thats what families do but honestly what can you do in Las Vegas with a baby? Go ahead and go and request a non smoking room and tell the hotel you have smoke allergies after booking so that they make a note in the file so you will have a greater chance at a smokefree room. Then prepare yourself that you will be spending a lot of time in the room regardless to what the family says because places that are crowded are not the best for a new baby, then the casinos are smoky and loud, and you can't take the baby to a show they are loud and babies are disruptive. You can take the baby with you when you go to eat at restaurants however, you will need to go the the restaurants in advance of the family to make sure you get true smoke free spaces and that you have an area with enough space to accomodate the carseat or stroller.

I hope you are not in Las Vegas long and feel for you!

I can't beleive I forgot: Just talking about this with a friend. Maybe I had blocked this from my mind because it was so traumatic... When we went to caesar's shops I went to change my baby's diaper which had leaked a little BM on her clothes. She was getting hungry and was crying. So I had a naked baby that was crying while I was getting her new clothes out. A woman came up to me insisting on holding my baby "because she is really good with kids." She was wearing a head scarf conceiling her face. I dumped as much as my stuff in my bag as I could and bolted from the room terrified. She had tried to yank my nearly nake baby from my arms. SOOOO Scary. Too many people. People you don't know.

We went with my daughter when she turned 2 months. (so about your son's age) It was for a family "wedding." (they already had a kid and were doing a quicky at the chapel and wanted everyone there.) We stayed at the tropicana. Terrible! Nasty! Plus I was post pardum moody (not depressed, but you know I just had a baby my life was not yet normal so I was crabby). We went to the hotels that were newer to check out shops and stuff. The newer ones have higher ceilings and filter the air so the smoke is not really an issue BUT if you happen to walk by a person who is smoking there is no changing anything. It was so stinking hot going outside was not an option. Even being at the pool was miserable. We were supposed to stay 2 days but ended up checking out early hitting the shops at caesar's and going home after the first night. I hated every minute. And now that baby is 5 and I still haven't been back to vegas. So if the relatives want to go to vegas that is there decision. Play the "not up to it" and "i do not have my life back to deal with this sort of thing" card. Had I been in a differnet state of mind myself things may have been different. Baby aside I do not think you yourself would be up to it. And baby doesn't need to be in that environement anyway,

Hi J.,
I would never take my new infant to Vegas, so I am totally with you. I don't think Vegas is appropriate for children whatsoever, and my husband and I used to be frequent Vegas visitors, before we started a family. I think it's really inappropriate for your MIL to be pushing this on you, knowing that you don't think it's a good idea for your baby. I'm in agreement w/ the other moms who say to send your husband alone with his family if he's going to make a stink about it. Although I would really discourage that, because it's really important for you to have some help from your husband with an infant that young. Good luck to you.

I flew cross-country when my first was 6 weeks old so my parents and family could meet her. She did absolutely fine and it was nice and important to share her with the family but I remember still being so exhausted from the birth and every 3-4 hour feedings. I would not have taken a trip somewhere just so everyone could have fun and Vegas is close enough that when MIL visits again and she will, she could go then. There are lots of nice places to celebrate the 40th b-day close to home. I think I would say 'no thanks" to this plan and let them all go if they want to.

hi,
i think you should stay home with the baby and let your hubby and his family enjoy Vegas. Your right its no place for a 7wk old let alone any young children. plus you wouldn't have any fun in Vegas with a baby. like you said you would be stuck in the room all day while every one else is out having a good time.

i agree...discuss with the pediatrician, with your husband in the room...

Don't go to Vegas with your baby. They can go to Vegas to celebrate and then come back to spend time with the baby. Your MIL's feelings/wants aren't as important as your baby's health.

My DH and I just went for a long weekend in February. There are some great kid-friendly places, BUT I wouldn't take an infant!

We got sick from the smoke on our "non-smoking" floor/room of our hotel. Smokers don't care about "No Smoking Signs". No offense to anyone who smokes who reads this, but that is my personal experience, even traveling with extended family members. Signs are meant for everyone but them!
And just walking around the streets everyone smokes.

Stand your ground!